Tsjechen kunnen in juni kiezen tussen kosmonaut, pornoster en media-tycoon (en)

The race for the European Parliament in the Czech Republic has thrown up some unusual candidates.

First up is German porn star of Czech origin Dolly Buster who announced her intention to stand earlier in the year.

Also shooting for the stars is the first Czech astronaut Vladimir Remek whose candidacy for the Communist Party was confirmed this week.

Back on earth, Mr Remek is a commercial officer at the Czech ambassy in Moscow where he was preparing for his mission to space in the 70s. He wants to use his rich experience in dealing with Russia as a member of the European Parliament.

Political commentators in Prague believe Mr Remek has a good chance of securing one of the 24 seats alloted to the Czech Republic. The Communists are running second in the latest opinion polls.

Vladimir Zelezny, a senator and former commercial NOVA television general director, joins the eclectic group.

Mr Zelezny is well-known mainly for his lawsuit with the American owners of the TV channel he used to chair. He wants to kick off his career as a European parliamentarian by running for one of three parties that have offered him a post on their candidate list, according to internet portal iDnes.

Czechs will probably elect their MEPs on June 11-12.